How to un-stuck yourself and get things done

I wake up. Put my shorts on. Wash my face.

Got to the kitchen, I brew myself a delicious Italian coffee.

I drink my coffee. Slowly, I start to function.

Got back in my room. Shower and teeth cleaning.

Then, the time to get to my desk and start doing something arrives.

I know what I should be doing but (probably unconsciously) I start wondering and finding alternative activities.

"Let me check my social media."

Boom. 2 hours passed by.

Ever happened to you?

Over time, I’ve realized this happens because:

• I don’t like to tackle off that specific task (specifically that kind of stuff I hate doing but I need to do anyway)

• I feel the task/problem I need to solve is too big that whenever I think about it, I feel overwhelmed

• I don’t think I have the skills to perform that task in that moment

Whenever one of those things happens, I start battling with myself.

"Even though I know I'm going to feel guilty, I don't feel like doing this right now."

So first I always enter this state of paralysis where I sit there wondering if I have the willpower to start doing what I'm supposed to do.

If the lower version of me (the one that tends to chase cheap dopamine and instant gratification) wins, it's game over.

I will then waste 2 hours (if I'm lucky) of my time on meaningless stuff.

This initial friction situation happens to me quite often to me – if not every day.

No wonder why sometimes I don’t make progress towards my goals.

But I’ve discovered a method that with as little as 5 minutes and 2$ is helping me get out of that catatonic state. Consistently.

A method that not only helps you build momentum to start working on something but can also be used for:

• Entering the flow state

• Boosting creativity

• Problem-solving

• Brainstorming

• Planning

Let me explain.

The Window of Creativity

Back in the days (aka 1 year ago) I was used to checking my routines on a daily basis.

I would write on my bedroom window with a chalk marker a grid with all the routines I was trying to implement (or maintain) and the days of the week.

Every time I would have done one routine task, I would have put a cross on the corresponding day.

With time I dropped this habit because it didn’t help me a lot with being consistent. So, the only thing that was left from this activity were chalk markers.

I was right in the middle of one of those catatonic states of not inactivity.

This time was a serious one. I didn't know what to do with my life, I was not feeling enough and I was completely apathetic about it.

But I noticed the red chalk marker next to the window.

Fortunately I had the power (what a big will power lol) to stand up and say to myself “fk this st let me fix it.”

I started writing down whatever came to mind on my window.

After 20 minutes I had my window full of thoughts (right now I wish I had taken the photo to show you because it was so cool).

I was feeling good again.

After those 20 minutes of writing and thinking, I’ve found possible solutions to my problems. Regained clarity of what I have to do, why I need to do it and the plan to do it.

But most importantly I felt unstuck. Here we go again – back on track.

So this is what the Window of Creativity is all about: reflecting and “writing” on a window to find creative ways to solve your problems.

It’s a super simple, quick, yet highly effective method to build momentum and start doing stuff.

The only things required are a window and a 2$ chalk marker.

I’ve put the word writing into quotes because as we'll see, you can express your thoughts not only by writing words but also by drawing.

The Benefits of the Window of Creativity

I still have to dig deeper into the whys this method is so beneficial for me, but here are some of my thoughts.

I can look at the big picture at once

Having such a big canvas where to write/draw gives me the ability to zoom out and see everything about the problem at a glance.

Whenever an idea comes to mind I just write it down and, in case I find some patterns, connect it to the other ideas.

This helps gain more clarity about the problem and find creative solutions.

You become an idea-generation machine

Whenever I start putting whatever I have in mind onto glass, my brain starts generating a stream of ideas that I have difficulty keeping up with.

Most of the time when focusing on solving a problem I generate solutions I can apply to other problems. I find a new content idea I can write about, or I find possible new pathways I can follow.

The more I do this, the better and more creative ideas come to mind.

It’s actually fun and different

I always used to do this kind of exercise either within my mind or at most on a journal or piece of paper.

Doing it only in my mind was not as effective as if I would write it down. And doing it on paper sometimes was just as boring as counting sheep.

Writing thoughts on a window feels different.

First of all I actually (well it depends on the window though) have to stand.

I am always used to doing anything sitting at my desk, whether for work or for my creative stuff.

The fact I have to be standing gives me a sensation of novelty and makes me enjoy the process more.

Second, I’m constantly looking outside and not staring at a blank white paper page or plain webpage with the cursor blinking.

My window gives to the court area of my neighborhood. So I face other buildings, trees, plants and people passing by. In my personal opinion, it's way more enjoyable than my desk.

I can only imagine what it would be like doing the same exercise on a window that faces a breathtaking natural landscape. I bet the creativity anyone can generate on those windows would be immense.

How to start using The Window of Creativity

As I told you before, the only thing we need are a window and a chalk marker. So go find yourself:

• a beautiful big window. If you have a nice view – amazing. Otherwise, “no pasa nada amigo."

• A chalk marker. Chalk markers are made for writing on glass. This way you can clean what doesn’t serve you anymore without buying a new glass window every time (and yes, you can choose your favourite color :) )

On how to start the answer is pretty obvious: stand in front of the window and start writing down your thoughts.

The beauty of this method is its versatility.

You can use it for whatever purpose and start the process with whatever thought you have in mind. It’s deeply personal and connected with your personality so there isn’t in reality a correct way of doing it.

Personally, I love starting the process by questioning myself and defining what’s the problem or the task I need to get done.

When I have my problem stated and right in front of me, I can start attacking it from all different angles.

• How can I solve it?

• What tools do I need?

• Where can I find more information on how to solve it?

• Is there someone I know who can help me?

• Etc

Again, these questions will come naturally and will depend on what problem you are trying to solve and your personality.

If nothing useful comes to mind, I literally write down what I am thinking.

Thoughts like “I really have to do something about this” or “Holy cow! It’s hard to find solutions” or again “I can't believe I'm still stuck with this problem."

Following this chain of thoughts will let you fall into the flow state.

A state where you completely immerse in a task or activity that will allow you (in this case) to generate solutions effortlessly.

From this point onwards it’s just a matter of going with the flow.

Congratulations you’ve hacked the perfect state to move forward with your tasks and activities.

Don’t lose the momentum and do what you have to do.

I hope this method will give you as much benefit as it gives me.

With time, I will refine this practice and its applications. I will share the new insights with you in a new letter.

In the meantime, give it a try. It’s extremely powerful.

Feel free to reach out on X for anything. I would love to hear about your experiences with The Window of Creativity :)

Text you soon,

Jacopo